STM holds a short limited capacity of information in an actively readily available state whereas LTM holds an infinite capacity of information in an inactive state. WM is the reasoning and problem solving state of holding information for a short period of time. The main difference between these three memory systems is that only STM displays decay and chunking.
The difference between STM and LTM is also seen in their duration and capacity. STM is shown to last up to 10 minutes but LTM seems to be forever (Alvarez & Cavanagh, 2008).
The distinction of WM is not universal agreed upon but the explanation by Cowan (2008) seems most probable and likely. WM is the spatial orientation of our body where we gather information around us to do everyday jobs. It is our reasoning behind what we do or how we do things. For example, we feel it is cold so we grab a jumper, it is a natural reflex where we do not need to process a lot of information to react or recall something. As such, sometimes WM is referred to as Sensory Memory and the model in 1968 by Atkinson & Shiffrin of memory shows how the these three separate memory stores work together.
Difference between STM, LTM and WM
STM holds a short limited capacity of information in an actively readily available state whereas LTM holds an infinite capacity of information in an inactive state. WM is the reasoning and problem solving state of holding information for a short period of time. The main difference between these three memory systems is that only STM displays decay and chunking.
The difference between STM and LTM is also seen in their duration and capacity. STM is shown to last up to 10 minutes but LTM seems to be forever (Alvarez & Cavanagh, 2008).
The distinction of WM is not universal agreed upon but the explanation by Cowan (2008) seems most probable and likely. WM is the spatial orientation of our body where we gather information around us to do everyday jobs. It is our reasoning behind what we do or how we do things. For example, we feel it is cold so we grab a jumper, it is a natural reflex where we do not need to process a lot of information to react or recall something. As such, sometimes WM is referred to as Sensory Memory and the model in 1968 by Atkinson & Shiffrin of memory shows how the these three separate memory stores work together.